Page 214 of Playing Dirty
And I knew exactly why.
Luca and Tessa.
Easy touch.
Easy chemistry.
No overthinking.
No hesitation.
Everything between Rowan and me was hesitation.
That difference had clearly gotten into her head too.
Good.
That thought should’ve bothered me more.
Instead it just felt honest.
Music pounded through the rooftop again as another group pushed toward the center.
Someone bumped Rowan’s shoulder passing by too fast.
I reacted before thinking.
Hand catching lightly at her waist to steady her.
Brief.
Instinctive.
Still a mistake.
Because the second my hand touched her—
everything in my body became aware of it.
So did hers.
Rowan froze slightly.
Not visibly enough for anyone else to notice.
But I noticed.
Of course I did.
I let go immediately.
Too immediately.
ROWAN
Oh.
That was bad.
